There was never a promise or guarantee that when we accepted the challenge to parent,

that everything would go the way WE want it to.

On those days when you are literally pulling out your hair,

working through an issue with a child (or 2, or 3+...yikes!)...

Here's some inspiration to keep you grounded :)

I am currently parenting five children, ranging in age from newborn to a teenager.

I feel like I'm living all sorts of stages at once.

I love so many aspects of each stage, but as we know, there are unique challenges in every season of life.

I mean, who doesn't want to forget their own horrid teen years?!

Who here loved being an awkward zit covered growing pre-teen??

Or which one of us mothers always love having a little newborn screaming through the night?

Wherever you are (high up on the mountain tops, or in the valley of 'parenting trenches') this post will inspire you to a GREATER perspective.

Here are my:

TOP FIVE TIPS WHEN YOU'RE IN THE TRENCHES

Our children are on loan to us & it is really only a very short time that we have them in our care (I know, doesn't always SEEM like it!). The days are long, but the years are often short! I have had many older women share with me to enjoy this season of life, for OH how they long for it to come back. The messes are gone for them now, but the house is much quieter. I guess when you put it that way, the daily full counter of dishes seems worth it :)

Our children, whether they say this or not, need to see us demonstrate unconditional love to them. When they're obedient & lovely to be around...and when they're so ornery you're unsure of whether this child was switched at birth! Now, I add to this, love may mean showing them that there are boundaries and loss of consequences for not listening to instructions given. Love is not simply an ooey-gooey feeling, but a decision to show this child you are on their side. You are for them. You believe in them. No matter what. However, you are going to ensure they face reasonable consequences BECAUSE you love them!

Our children deeply look to us for affection. Again, some of them will show it very obviously (like the kid that always wants/needs that hug). Others can not, or will not,verbalize their need. I recommend Gary Chapman's & Dr. Ross Campbell's book: Five Love Languages of Children to see which is the BEST way to demonstrate that love & fill that 'love tank' up for each child.

Our schedules may be JAM PACKED with all sorts of activities: work, ministry, volunteering, social time, the gym...etc. etc. but our priority must be raising our children. That doesn't mean we go to the other extreme of placing our children on a pedestal, or letting them become the main source of our contentment (only God has that rightful place in our hearts!), but if I had to pick between: child needing attention for a serious issue OR another movie night....you get the picture :)

Our children are not our own. Hard to believe, but it's true. They are His. His masterpieces. His beautiful creations. We are entrusted to raise them up, as best as we can, relying on His help of course. We desire them to know Him, and glorify Him with their lives. It is not a task for the faint hearted. It is not to be taken lightly... Again, a book recommendation by Stormie Omartian: The Power of a Praying Parent which will encourage you in 30 days to pray over one area of their lives each day.

When you're in the trenches, the key is to remember that 'this too shall pass'. That doesn't mean we should be passive however...

On the contrary, I would encourage EVERY parent through the difficult times, to get out their bibles (the sword) and get on their 'knees' to pray like you've never prayed before!

2 Corinthians 10:4"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds."

Seek Him.

Get the Concordance out & look for scriptures relating to your child/family's particular situation.

& don't ever believe the lie that you are alone...

If I write this post for ONE person out there who needs it, then so be it.

You are NOT alone.

Others have gone before you and are on the other side...

Victorious.

Find some other sistahs out there to get beside you, & stand in the 'trenches' alongside you :)

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What about yourself? Do you have any book recommendations or thoughts to encourage parents out there?

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11 comments:

I've got just the one nine-year-old on loan from Him. Sometimes it feels like all I can handle. Thank you for this list. I'm glad that I left my daughter with "I love you always & forever" this evening. I can feel good about that.

Thanks so much for linking up! Loved your book suggestions- some of those are my favorites :) The one about love languages helped me tremendously since I realized that I need to treat each of them differently to make them feel loved. With three bio sons and a foster daughter, I am so busy so I need to make sure I make the time count as much as possible. I have often said all my kids are on loan- it makes the fostering so much easier when I look at it in that light since God is in control of how long I have each of them and I just need to make sure I am responsible with the time I am given. Great post!-S.L. Payne, uncommongrace.net

I liked hearing your perspective on the foster kids. I can only imagine it must have its own unique challenges (taking in children for a short time) but you are right in saying that they are ONLY on loan to us anyway...all of our children...all so precious.Glad the post spoke to you! Thanks for coming by the blog :)

I love how you highlighted that our children are on loan from our Lord... so true and I never really thought of it like that before. It makes me feel all the more thankful to be parenting my children... God's treasures.

Thanks so much for sharing. I'm pinning this so others can discover and be inspired as well.<3

I really needed to read this tonight. What a great scripture verse, 2 Corinthians 10:4"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds." Amen and Hallelujah!

Thank you so much for your encouragement! Reading this helped me to breathe a few sighs of relief. Telling me things I tell myself all of the time. It's so encouraging to know that the struggles of motherhood are not limited to just me!Thanks again!--Jaime

Oh, trust me they aren't! Greatest lie circulating in mothers' minds is that we are alone in our battles...that no one else experiences what we do, etc. etc. Glad this encouraged you in the journey :) Thanks for coming by the blog!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links seen on my blog would be considered “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for visiting & supporting my blog!

About Me

Imperfectly perfect in His sight. "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."